Sydney utility Robbie Fox has reportedly edged out veteran midfielder Taylor Adams for a spot in John Longmire's side to face Port Adelaide in Friday's preliminary final.
The Swans will make at least one change for their home final after captain Callum Mills suffered a hamstring strain at training just days after the club's qualifying final win over GWS.
Mills' absence is expected to see young flanker Braeden Campbell come into the starting side after serving as the tactical sub against GWS, with a groin concern making the Swans start the youngster on the bench instead of in the starting 22.
Both Adams and Fox were viewed as the leading options to come into the side for Mills, with the former bringing a wealth of experience after crossing from Collingwood at the end of last year.
Adams missed out on the Magpies' premiership victory last year due to a hamstring injury sustained during the semi-final week of last year's finals series in what was the heartbreak story of September.
The 30-year-old is now expected to miss another final this week, withย SEN'sย Sam Edmund reporting Adams won't be selected in Mills' absence, with vacancy instead likely going to Fox.
Robbie Fox has beaten Taylor Adams to the final spot in Sydney's preliminary final side in the absence of skipper Callum Mills. Adams is understandably extremely disappointed at being overlooked given his journey. Lost 2018 GF and missed last year's Pies flag when his hamstringโฆ
— Sam Edmund (@Sammy__Edmund) September 19, 2024
Given the potential for the incoming player to be the tactical sub, Fox might be the more astute selection given his ability to play as a lockdown option at either end of the field.
Fox has played 16 games for the Swans this year, while Adams has featured on 19 occasions - playing every game since coming into the side for his club debut in Round 4 before making way for the Swans' first final against the Giants.
Sydney and the other three preliminary finalists will name their squads for this week's action at 6:20pm (AEST) on Thursday. Final teams and the tactical sub will be confirmed an hour prior to each game.
